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Calling all CS sleuths: Help finding an e-ring center stone

kallyh

Rough_Rock
Joined
Sep 24, 2011
Messages
4
Hi everyone,
First post here. I am embarking on the e-ring center stone quest. My own actually as my soon to be fiance knows me well enough to put me in charge of finding something I like! I've read a lot about colored stones (mostly here) and figure I'm pretty much set on either a spinel or a sapphire for durability and the right color range (blue or purple). I'm pretty sure I'd like a round stone and actually prefer stones on the lighter side. The "top" deep blue sapphire color doesn't appeal for example.

After a few trips to jewelry stores in town, I've decided to find the stone myself online. One salesperson told me that if I wanted a purple stone my only choice was amethyst!

So far I've fired off a few emails describing what I'm looking for to some of the PS recommended cutters and been browsing their various sites. I'm posting because I've seen, via lurking, that collectively this community knows the online CS sources much better than I ever could and might be able to find just the thing (or have it on hand and be looking to part with it!).

Color wise I'm thinking somewhere in the cornflower/periwinkle/lavendar range. Not that I'm looking for a mix of those colors but rather I like them all and the right stone could be any of the above.

Price: would love to keep the cost of the stone under $500 but willing to stretch a little if necessary.

Size: not sure. I'm a size 4.5 so smaller is not necessarily bad. I tried on a ring with a 7 mm stone and liked the look of that.

Thanks in advance for your help! I will post a few example pics as soon as I can figure out how.
 
Re: Calling all CS sleuths: Help finding an e-ring center st

Here are a few stones (sold or the wrong shape unfortunately) that I think are lovely color wise.

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23434.jpeg
 
Re: Calling all CS sleuths: Help finding an e-ring center st

More purplish, but what about http://www.acstones.com/productcart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=9&idproduct=2604 ? I'm sure other ladies will have a better suggestion though and I'll keep looking! :))

ETA there's a ridiculously cool and pretty blue color change sapphire that changes to purple on Gemfix, but it's above your price point. I hate it when that happens!
 
Re: Calling all CS sleuths: Help finding an e-ring center st

Thanks for the suggestions! I did see that color change stone on the gemfix site but pretty much all of the gorgeous stones on his site are.out of my price range. So sad. I'd angle for upping the budget but we are up to our necks in educational debt so it just seems irresponsible to spend too much at the moment.

As for shape, I'd prefer a round but there are seem to be many more ovals out there approaching the right color/price.
 
Re: Calling all CS sleuths: Help finding an e-ring center st

I'd suggest contacting one of the cutters directly and explain what you're looking for, budget, shape, etc. I've worked with Dan Stair several times for custom cut stones and have always been exceptionally pleased. That way, you'll have something cut just for you, and you won't have to be fighting other folks for just the right stone or compromise in other ways (buying an oval when you really want a round).
 
Re: Calling all CS sleuths: Help finding an e-ring center st

There is a list of colored stone vendors at the top of the forum. Take a look at the sapphire and spinel sections on there sites. I have only bought from a few of those vendors myself. But I know people on the forum have used them or they wouldn't be on the list. It might take a bit of looking bit I'm sure you'll find something that interests you.
 
Re: Calling all CS sleuths: Help finding an e-ring center st

Thanks for the great advice. I've been looking for a while now by just browsing the available sapphire/spinel sections on various cutters sites and found that it's pretty frustrating because some element is always not quite right (shape, size, color etc.). It's a little scary to be contacting a cutter directly though since I also feel as a novice that I won't do a good job explaining what I'm looking for and then have something cut that's also not quite right. I kind of have "I'll know it when I see it" syndrome :twirl:

How does that process generally work? Is a deposit usually required? Do you have the option to not buy the stone when it's finished?
 
Re: Calling all CS sleuths: Help finding an e-ring center st

kallyh|1334025758|3167136 said:
Thanks for the suggestions! I did see that color change stone on the gemfix site but pretty much all of the gorgeous stones on his site are.out of my price range. So sad. I'd angle for upping the budget but we are up to our necks in educational debt so it just seems irresponsible to spend too much at the moment.

As for shape, I'd prefer a round but there are seem to be many more ovals out there approaching the right color/price.

Try Gemrite.com. I think he has a color change sapphire and some interesting purple blue spinels.
 
Re: Calling all CS sleuths: Help finding an e-ring center st

JewelFreak|1334015931|3166983 said:

Hey that weblorn stone might fit the bill.

I have never bought from Odessygem on Ebay myself but I know some people have. Anyway, I noticed a round sapphire on his site that might be close to what you're looking for.
 
Re: Calling all CS sleuths: Help finding an e-ring center st

Most lapidaries will not custom cut to a customer's specification. They do not have the time and do not wish to be stuck with a custom specified stone which the customer decides he/she doesn't like/want after all. For those that do not take orders, you do not need to put down a deposit. Just browse and if you like what you see, you can order it and if it's not what you expected, return it for a full refund within the return period.

For those that do take orders, a non refundable deposit is generally required. You have the option of not buying the stone when it is completed but the deposit will not be returned. If unsure about how to describe colour, send the lapidary a few pictures of stones that you like. He/she will try to match up the right rough for you and most likely, pictures of the rough as well for your approval before moving on with the process.
 
Re: Calling all CS sleuths: Help finding an e-ring center st

Did you happen to check the "newest gems" section on Gemfix? There are some spinels in the size you are looking for and price range you are in, one is a pretty pinkish shade and one a deep grape and blue color change.

They are very easy to deal with. His wife does a lot of the online emailing, and it's so easy to get one in and have a look.

Good luck!
 
Re: Calling all CS sleuths: Help finding an e-ring center st

A couple things..
It's wonderful to see you breaking from the norm and being original by purchasing a colored stone for an e-ring. Now next time you go to the office, the mall, the neighbors barbecue you won't have the same thing on your hand as every other lady there.
You will be hip, original, unique, and colorful!
Kudos!
It's also pleasent to see you have done some research and seem to know what you want. That is a breath of fresh air
You came to the right place asking advice. Pricescopers are renowned for their taste, insight, and frugality. You are in good hands
:))
 
Re: Calling all CS sleuths: Help finding an e-ring center st

I love blue and purple gems too!

The only thing I can add to the words of wisdom above is that many "blues" will have grey tones that make them much colder looking than a richer warmer blue. The same for purples/lavenders. They can easily start to look steely and cold. Finding a warmer toned spinel is very very very difficult - and I know because I've bought quite a few and returned nearly all of them!

It's a real preference but when I look for blues and purples I tend to find those that have more red/pink tones are warmer and more pleasing to my eye. Of course, typically, these are also the hardest to find!
 
Re: Calling all CS sleuths: Help finding an e-ring center st

LD|1334093707|3167833 said:
I love blue and purple gems too!

The only thing I can add to the words of wisdom above is that many "blues" will have grey tones that make them much colder looking than a richer warmer blue. The same for purples/lavenders. They can easily start to look steely and cold. Finding a warmer toned spinel is very very very difficult - and I know because I've bought quite a few and returned nearly all of them!

It's a real preference but when I look for blues and purples I tend to find those that have more red/pink tones are warmer and more pleasing to my eye. Of course, typically, these are also the hardest to find!

Wouldn't that make purple?
 
Re: Calling all CS sleuths: Help finding an e-ring center st

innerkitten|1334097821|3167904 said:
LD|1334093707|3167833 said:
I love blue and purple gems too!

The only thing I can add to the words of wisdom above is that many "blues" will have grey tones that make them much colder looking than a richer warmer blue. The same for purples/lavenders. They can easily start to look steely and cold. Finding a warmer toned spinel is very very very difficult - and I know because I've bought quite a few and returned nearly all of them!

It's a real preference but when I look for blues and purples I tend to find those that have more red/pink tones are warmer and more pleasing to my eye. Of course, typically, these are also the hardest to find!

Wouldn't that make purple?

Blue + red? Yes. Think Tanzanite though. The loveliest deepest blue (that's not overly dark) has red and pinks - and yes, can tip over into becoming purple but not always. It depends on the amount and also if a gem is dichroic, trichroic etc. You're right though, my description is pants! I was trying to say (clumsily) that I like gems to be warm rather than cold and the warmer a stone looks (typically) the more expensive it is (unfortunately).
 
Re: Calling all CS sleuths: Help finding an e-ring center st

LD|1334098330|3167915 said:
innerkitten|1334097821|3167904 said:
LD|1334093707|3167833 said:
I love blue and purple gems too!

The only thing I can add to the words of wisdom above is that many "blues" will have grey tones that make them much colder looking than a richer warmer blue. The same for purples/lavenders. They can easily start to look steely and cold. Finding a warmer toned spinel is very very very difficult - and I know because I've bought quite a few and returned nearly all of them!

It's a real preference but when I look for blues and purples I tend to find those that have more red/pink tones are warmer and more pleasing to my eye. Of course, typically, these are also the hardest to find!

Wouldn't that make purple?

Blue + red? Yes. Think Tanzanite though. The loveliest deepest blue (that's not overly dark) has red and pinks - and yes, can tip over into becoming purple but not always. It depends on the amount and also if a gem is dichroic, trichroic etc. You're right though, my description is pants! I was trying to say (clumsily) that I like gems to be warm rather than cold and the warmer a stone looks (typically) the more expensive it is (unfortunately).

I know what you mean :)
 
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